The production is known, loud and adored by viewers around the world. There are only three days left until the premiere of “West Side Story” at the Podlasie Opera and Philharmonic.
Photo: Michal Heller / OiFP
More than two months of intensive preparation, dance and orchestra rehearsals. 300 costumes, tons of steel in the scenography – this is the brief description of the process of creating one of the most outstanding musical works of “West Side Story” at the Podlasie Opera and Philharmonic. We are only 3 days away from the premiere.
– Two months of arduous preparations for this magnificent musical show “West Side Story” are behind us. In just three days, this first American musical to the music of Leonardo Bernstein will appear on the stage of the Podlasie Opera and Philharmonic – said prof. Violetta Bielecka, director of the Podlasie Opera and Philharmonic.
“West Side Story” is a dance and music journey through the world of New York in the 1950s. The musical tells the story of a great love between Maria and Tony – members of two fighting gangs, Puerto Rican and American.
– This is the world of the American 1950s, but how those times are for us today. These are universal values that we will receive. It is a play about tolerance, equality and the fight against prejudice. These are always relevant constants and that’s what the show is about. But above all, it’s a musical about a great, great love that I believe very deeply that each of us yearns for and I believe is what drives all of our activities. Even if we don’t admit it. But that’s why we are in this world, said Jakub Szydłowski, the show’s director.
Jarosław Staniek and Katarzyna Zielonka are responsible for the choreography.
– It will be an interesting show, because it is partly a ballet. If you know the original “West Side Story” well, you know how much instrumental music there is, much more than in the movie. This is my third “West Side Story” so I knew how to go about it. It will be a crazy clash between my energy and the energy of Katarzyna Zielonka – admitted choreographer Jarosław Staniek.
– The Latin tradition is very contagious and their energy is so intense that it was impossible to defend oneself from it. You can calmly respect the classics and tradition, you do not need to force yourself to seek variety, because it is included in this line, including the moral backbone, which is written both in the score and in the booklet – underlined Katarzyna Zielonka.
All the creators agree that in “West Side Story”, the music, the singing, the dancing and the acting are very much linked. This is a real challenge for artists and women artists. In addition, they must develop a truly Latin temperament and energy.
– She dances very well on this stage. We feel pampered and safe thanks to our partners. And it’s a dream to play such a character. We can come true, show ourselves, we are very happy about that – said Małgorzata Chruściel, one of the actors in the role of Anita.
– She loves as true and pure as possible. We are looking for femininity, innocence in this role, to present this spark of love and show what it is like to make love for the first time – added Agnieszka Przekupień, the musical Maria.
– The music of this musical is awesome, it is a classic in the world. I’m glad that “West Side Story” appears in such a picture. The music is incredibly difficult for the orchestra, underlined Vladimir Kiradjiev, musical director.
The big and important premiere of the musical “West Side Story” will take place on Friday (09/23) on the Main Stage of the Podlasie Opera and Philharmonic.
– A few days before the premiere, the director tries to avoid feelings of stress, he must hold on and must be a rock for the group. We work until the last minute, so it is not possible to judge and let go. We feel that we are active all the time and this helps us to survive stress – summarizes Jakub Szydłowski.
Read also: Love stronger than death? Preparations for the premiere of “West Side Story”.
